Republican legislators and two DFLers have been under intense pressure to override the governor’s veto of the transportation bill recently. Six Republicans caved, but fortunately they weren’t from this area. State Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Grove City was indirectly threatened that his bill to expand Litchfield’s wastewater treatment plant would go nowhere if he didn’t vote to override the governnor. What a dirty way to treat the people of Litchfield. They need the wastewater treatment to accomodate First District, a big milk processing company that employs 300. Urdahl hung in there, despite the threat. So did State Reps. Ron Shimanski, Tom Emmer, Paul Kohls. The DFLers got their big tax increase afterall, but at least our legislators in the HJ area fought them every inch of the way.
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Berriecireaws
I see that Mr. Dille voted YES on the bill. The general anger for this bill passing seems to be that it is another hands in the pocket type of theft.
I would only be in favor of an increase at the pumps and license plates if other spending is cut. I see the increase as a user fee and will think of more ways to transport myself to save gas. Studs on my bicycle tire may just pay off for my winter runs up town to get groceries. As for vehicle registration costing more, I will stick to 8 year old cars………………Sorry Garth!
I am very concerned with the poor economy and the passing of more spending. It is time to cut programs!!!
The fight is not over. Show me the fight is still on. Let’s see some major cuts in areas that need cutting. The time has come to trim the budget, for the good of the people.
One thought…if there are supposed to be a million more people in Minnesota over the next few years on the roads, won’t they be paying taxes as well? Or, are they coming in here on scholarship? Will they pay the going rate, or will Minnesota-Nice prevail and they get to stay and play for free? Didn’t anyone bring that up when the bill was being introduced?
Our tax dollars at work - paying “thieves” (our elected officials) to rob us. Do we, as taxpayers, pay for their gas at the pump, too? We already give them $99 to eat lunch every day, what a deal! How many of us spend $99 a day on lunch? I wish I earned $99 a day! I don’t think we need to cut programs, I think we need to cut spending by these characters we elected to serve us! We are their employers, think about it. And how many of their cohorts are going to get cushy desk jobs in transportation doing “studies” and “reviewing” instead of using the money to repair roads and bridges? I don’t know about you, but I am sick of working to support these people (as well as when they retire) and the people draining the welfare system!
Brian Jensen is correct. I was astonished also to see that Steve Dille voted for the transportation tax increase. However, I also found another state senator from the HJ area, who didn’t cave to the DFL. She is State Sen. Julianne Ortman, R-Chanhassen. She represents the area that includes New Germany, Mayer and Watertown.
How can anyone be astonished Senator Dille voted for the Tranportation Bill and supported the override of the Governor’s veto?
Senator Dille has supported a gas tax increase for years, talked about it openly at candidate forums throughout SD 18, and has voted for them in the past.
Rep Urdahl, on the other hand, supported a gas tax increase during his 2006 campaign (ask the County Commissioners present at the Litchfield forum), voted for it last May, flopped under the pressure of Governor Pawlenty and Marty Seifert, and failed to support a reasonable plan in 2008.
Truth be told, while some may not agree with Senator Dille, I applaud him for having the courage of his convictions. Depsite enormous pressure, he did what he knew was right. Others caved, put politics before the people.
The Transportation Bill was supported by the Minnesota Chamber, a mostly conservative business organization.
Per the Minnesota Constitution, gas tax proceeds can only be used for roads and bridges. It cannot be used to pay for light rail and transit.
Last Spring, when Urdahl flopped on Transportation, he left nearly half a billion dollars on the table.
$270 million more for our states trunk highway system.
$162 million more for County State Aid for roads like County Road 6 from Howard Lake to Annandale.
$35 million more for Municipal State Aid, for roads like Wright County 125 near Cokato.
Anyone driven these roads lately? I drive them everyday and nearly 1000 miles a week.
When gas prices fluctuate as much as 30 cents on any given day, giving the oil companies billion dollar quarterly profits, no one cares.
When it will go up 5 cents gradually to make roads and bridges in Minnesota safer, there’s mass outrage?
Interesting…
It is honorable to vote your conscience about this issue, and perhaps even more honorable to vote knowing the political consequences. I believe that everyone involved has the same objective — to maintain safe roads and bridges. Remember that we have a common objective, here.